eUICC SIM Profile Remote Download via App Store

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Solution Overview

Problem

In the embedded universal integrated circuit card (eUICC) environment, it is difficult to change mobile network operators due to the non-detachable physical structure, requiring remote management of SIM profile information and posing challenges for terminal manufacturing and inventory management.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that allows eUICC devices to access an online app store for downloading and installing a SIM profile application, enabling users to select and replace SIM profiles, and authenticate with operator servers, facilitating network access and remote subscriber information updates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a detachable UICC is used in the terminal, then the user can easily change mobile network operators by detaching and reinserting the card, but the terminal size cannot be downsized and requires additional physical space for the card slot

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to change mobile network operatorVSAvoidterminal size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the UICC functionality with the terminal device by embedding the card directly into the terminal housing. The eUICC is integrated into the terminal structure, eliminating the need for a separate card slot while maintaining the ability to change network operators through remote profile management. This combining approach resolves the contradiction by removing the physical card component that occupied space while preserving operator switching capability through software-based profile installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the SIM profile information from the physical UICC card and enables remote download and installation directly into the terminal's embedded eUICC. By separating the profile data from the physical card medium and allowing direct installation to the embedded card, the system eliminates the need for detachable cards while maintaining operator switching functionality through digital profile management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Volume of moving object

If an eUICC with non-detachable structure is used, then the terminal can be downsized without a card slot, but it becomes difficult to change mobile network operators

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterminal sizeVSAvoidability to change mobile network operator

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic profile management where the eUICC can remotely download and install different SIM profiles from online stores or operator servers. This dynamic capability allows the embedded card to adapt to different network operators without physical replacement, resolving the contradiction by making the operator switching process software-based rather than hardware-based, thus maintaining versatility while preserving the compact embedded structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary profile management system that facilitates operator changes for embedded eUICC devices. Through online application stores and operator servers, users can download and install new SIM profiles remotely. This intermediary mechanism enables operator switching without physical card manipulation, resolving the contradiction between the fixed embedded structure and the need for operator flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If SIM profile information is managed remotely for eUICC devices, then operator changes can be facilitated without physical card replacement, but new systems and processes must be implemented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator switching processVSAvoidremote management system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service mechanism where users can independently download and install SIM profiles from online application stores using their terminal devices. The system automatically manages profile installation to the embedded eUICC without requiring operator intervention or physical card handling. This self-service approach simplifies the user operation while the automated backend processes handle the complexity of remote profile management, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9204300B2Method for providing SIM profile in eUICC environment and devices therefor

Publication Date: 2015.12.01 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

There are provided a method of providing a SIM profile, and an eUICC device. The method of providing the SIM profile includes downloading a SIM profile application selected by a user who uses the eUICC device from an app store, executing and installing the SIM profile application in the eUICC device, accessing of the eUICC device having the SIM profile application installed therein to an operator server, and authenticating the eUICC device based on SIM profile information corresponding to the SIM profile application. The eUICC device includes a network connection unit configured to access the app store via a local network, a SIM profile storage configured to store the SIM profile application, and an authentication requesting unit configured to access the operator server based on the SIM profile information.